Minnesota Vikings: Drafting Brandon Scherff Could Work Well

The Minnesota Vikings made a tremendous leap in the 2014 season, going from 5-10-1 in 2013 to 7-9 in 2014. While the record only has two more wins, nothing is more exciting than seeing a team make progress and take the steps in the right direction.

The Vikings have seemed to fill almost every need in the offseason, so coming into the draft makes it very tough to try and pick a player who they should get. When you really look at it, they’re in a situation where they can draft the best player available and not have a worry about another position.

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However, it would be wise for general manager Rick Spielman to attack the areas that actually are the most needed. Where they stand, it would more than likely be cornerback, wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive line. As many mock drafts have the Vikings drafting different positions, it really just comes down to just picking the best player available.

If the Vikings can attack the offensive line or the secondary in the first and second rounds, they’ll be golden. With the amount of talent that can be picked in this draft, they should have no problem finding a day one starter in those positions.

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) blocks against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Kalil is not turning out to be what the Vikings once thought he’d be. Not being considered a bust is fair, but after his injuries and consistency issues, he needs to prove that he can be the trustworthy left tackle he was supposed to be. If Kalil can play anything like his rookie year, the Vikings should be fairly content with him.

Protecting Teddy Bridgewater should be one of, if not the top priority now; especially after the moves they made from free agency. Even if it makes for a very non-exciting, buzz-killing first round, it’ll be worth it. In the previous two drafts, the Dallas Cowboys selected guard Zack Martin, and center Travis Frederick. Now as boring as it may seem to select these two players, they were both pro bowlers and successfully helped their running back DeMarco Murray become one of the best in the league.

So, imagine if Bridgewater or Adrian Peterson (if he returns) have that type of power in front of them? The stat sheet would blow up quite intensely. With help and depth in the offensive line, it’ll give them a great opportunity to be more successful in every aspect. If Bridgewater can continue to develop like he’s shown he can, imagine a line giving him an extra second or two in the pocket; wiser decisions, better outcomes.

Sep 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linesman Brandon Scherff (68) breaks off of the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Hawkeyes won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

One of the top prospects to make this happen is Iowa guard Brandon Scherff. After all, he could probably lift a house because he’s that strong. A little exaggeration there but to get the point across, Scherff put up 22 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the combine. He’s able to give the protection Bridgewater and Peterson would need. Moving well laterally being consistent on run blocking, to recognizing blitz’s and being tough on edge rushers; this man can block. Scherff also shifts his weight very well, using his strength to overpower defenders.

Now even though it looks all rosy and wonderful so far, Scherff, like any other player, has flaws to his game. Scherff excels in run blocking, yes he has improved with pass blocking, but he will really need to focus on improving no the professional level because he will be exposed. He’s very tight in his hips which can cause bad rotation, a key asset to being a good lineman. This could be caused from breaking his right leg and dislocating his ankle in 2012, which could lead to some issues in the next level.

Aside from drafting someone for the offensive line, theres many other ways the Vikings could target the draft. Picking up a player such as cornerback Trae Waynes from Michigan State, who has proved that he’s the best corner in this draft. Even if he is, drafting Scherff is something to think about. If by chance Spielman decides to make his moves into getting two first-round selections, going with an offensive lineman and help in the secondary would be marvelous.

A powerhouse like Scherff would work very well for the Vikings; giving Bridgewater the protection he needs to (hopefully) keep taking his talents to new heights and to open clear runways for the running backs.

Next: Minnesota Vikings: Chances of Drafting Landon Collins

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